New Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson apologises again to anyone offended by Saudi move

AMSTERDAM: Jordan Henderson, who joined Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday (Jan 18), has apologised again to anyone he might have offended six months after the England midfielder was the target of scathing criticism for his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

The 33-year-old met with media a day after he signed with the Dutch side having terminated his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq after six months.

Henderson's switch to Saudi Arabia - where homosexuality is illegal - after 12 years at Liverpool was widely criticised as he has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

The midfielder was booed by fans when he appeared for England in a friendly against Australia at Wembley in October.

"I said six months ago that if I offended anybody or people felt as though I let them down then I apologise for that, and I apologise again," he said on Friday.

"My beliefs have never changed and never will. I can apologise if people feel let down. I haven't changed as a person and never have."

Henderson had nothing negative to say about his time in the Middle East.

"A lot of people would like me to sit here and criticise the Saudi Pro League and everything that went along with it. But that's certainly not the case and something I'm not going to do," he said.

"I have full respect for the league, for any fans, for the people over there who really made me feel welcome. Unfortunately sometimes these things in life just don't work out."

Henderson's move to Ajax comes with the Dutch club fifth in the Eredivisie, 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven; a disappointing start for the 36-time champions who have not finished outside the top three since 2006.

Asked why not choose a club enjoying a more successful season, Henderson said: "Because